What is the difference between gout and uric acid, their symptoms, and effective treatments? Many people think they are the same condition, but in reality, there are differences in their causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs as a result of the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid, on the other hand, is a type of arthritis that occurs as a result of the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid, on the other hand, is a type of arthritis that occurs as a result of the accumulation of uric acid crystals that cause gout. We will learn about them in the rest of the article.
What is gout
Gout is a chronic condition caused by the increase and accumulation of uric acid crystals in the blood, which leads to their deposition in the joints and kidneys, causing acute inflammation and severe pain. It most commonly affects the big toe joint, but it can also affect other joints such as the ankle and knee.
What are uric acid
Uric acid is an increased concentration of certain mineral salts in the blood or urine, such as urates, phosphates, or oxalates. When these salts are elevated, they may deposit in the kidneys or bladder, forming stones or causing urinary tract infections.
Symptoms of Gout and Salts
Common symptoms of gout include:
- Sudden, severe pain in a single joint, often the big toe joint.
- Difficulty moving the joint.
- Redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint.
- The pain is most severe at night and typically lasts from two days to a week.
- Small lumps may appear under the skin, which are uric acid deposits (in chronic cases).
Common symptoms of salts include:
- A burning sensation during urination or pain in the lower abdomen.
- A change in urine color.
- Kidney pain in the presence of kidney stones.
- A sensation of sand or small stones in the urine.
- Swelling or warmth in the joints, as in gout.
What are the causes of gout
- Increased production of uric acid in the body or impaired excretion by the kidneys.
- A diet rich in purines, such as red meat and seafood.
- Obese people are more susceptible to gout.
- If you are unable to eliminate sufficient amounts of uric acid.
- Alcoholic beverages significantly raise uric acid levels.
- The use of certain medications, such as diuretics, may increase uric acid levels in the blood.
- A family history of gout increases the risk of developing it.
Causes of Salt Accumulation
There are various causes of excess salt in the body, including:
- An unbalanced diet containing foods containing salts, such as pickles.
- Not drinking enough water makes it difficult for the body to excrete salts.
- When kidney function is impaired, salts accumulate in the body.
- Lack of regular exercise may increase salt accumulation in the body.
- High blood pressure may cause sodium to accumulate in the body, leading to increased salts.
- People with diabetes may suffer from salt imbalance disorders.
- Genetic factors can play a role in salt imbalance disorders, such as high levels of sodium or potassium.
What is the difference between gout and salts
Gout is a joint disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals, causing severe pain and swelling in the joints. Uric acid crystals indicate general mineral deposits in the body and cause burning during urination.
Methods for Diagnosing Gout
To diagnose gout, your doctor relies on:
- A blood uric acid test.
- An x-ray or ultrasound of the joint to determine inflammation.
- An examination of the joint fluid under a microscope to detect urate crystals.
- A medical history and recurrent attacks are taken.
How is excess salts diagnosed
Diagnosis of excess salts relies on a complete urine analysis to determine the type of salts, and a urine analysis to determine the amount of salts excreted from the body.
The doctor orders a blood test to check kidney function and calcium and uric acid levels, along with an ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys to determine the presence of deposits or stones.
Gout Treatment
The treating physician prescribes the following medications to control gout, including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which help reduce swelling and pain.
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used when other medications are ineffective.
- Colchicine, to treat acute gout attacks and reduce inflammation.
- Uric acid-lowering medications, such as febuxostat.
- Medications such as lisinopril or piperazine, to excrete uric acid.
Methods for Treating Salt Accumulation
The treating physician prescribes diuretics to help eliminate excess salts through the urine, kidney stone medications, which help dissolve stones, and medications to reduce stone formation.
He also recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day to flush excess salts out of the kidneys and reducing the intake of salty foods, which contain large amounts of potassium.
Ways to Prevent Gout
- Reduce your intake of foods containing purines, such as red meat and seafood, as they increase uric acid in the body.
- Drink plenty of water to eliminate uric acid through the kidneys.
- Avoid foods rich in fructose, as they increase uric acid in the blood.
- Maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity, which increases uric acid levels.
- Reduce your intake of alcohol and soft drinks.
Summary of the Difference Between Gout and Salts
Gout is a joint disease caused by uric acid crystals. Gout causes severe pain and swelling in the joints.
Salts are general mineral deposits in the body. Uric acid crystals (salts) may be the cause of gout, while the presence of salts in the urine or body does not necessarily indicate gout and may cause pain when urinating without affecting the joints.